Cooper City Plans Hike In Taxes To Add Staff

July 16, 2002|By Thomas Monnay Staff Writer

COOPER CITY — Faced with higher insurance costs and the need to increase staffing, city officials are proposing to raise the tax rate by almost 6 percent -- from $5.86 to $6.19 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

The city's proposed $29.06 million budget calls for a new police aide, three police officers, three recreation employees, one firefighter and an assistant for the growth management department.

Finance Director Horacio Montes de Oca said the new positions would cost $420,000, and the officers would be hired only if the city obtains a grant from the federal government.

Last year's budget was $28.9 million budget.

"We haven't increased taxes the past two years, but costs continue to increase significantly, especially in the areas of insurance, workers compensation and pension," said Montes de Oca.

He said that group insurance went up 20 percent last year and that general employees would receive a 3 percent raise next year.

Montes de Oca said the proposed tax rate would raise $7.5 million, including $400,000 triggered by the rate increase.

Under the proposal, the owner of a $100,000 home who takes the $25,000 homestead exemption would pay $464.25, which is $24.75 more than last year.

The same owner will continue paying $30.90 for the city's police building and the second phase of the sports complex, part of a bond approved in 1999. The tax rate for the bond is .412 cents per $1,000 of assessed property values.

In addition, a 5.75 percent increase in water and sewer fees will kick in Oct. 1. Monthly charges will climb from $47.13 to $49.84 for households consuming an average of 7,000 gallons of water a month.

Commissioners are expected to vote today on the tentative property tax rate.

Residents can comment on the proposed tax rate and budget during a public hearing set for 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at City Hall, 9090 SW 50th Place.